PLANS have been submitted for a £10 million leisure scheme in Harrogate which is set to create 250 new jobs in the town.

A formal planning application for the redevelopment of the former Co-Operative building on the junction with Albert Street and Station Parade has been submitted to Harrogate Borough Council.

If successful, the plans will see a 4-screen art-house cinema and restaurants and bars housed within a new building designed by Harrogate based architects Seven Architecture.

The proposals were on display at a public exhibition held at Harrogate Library in March, when almost 300 viewed them.

The £10 million scheme is being proposed by urban regeneration specialists 4Urban, also based in Harrogate, whose managing director Paul Lancaster said: “We would like to thank the many people who came to see the plans and gave us their feedback.

"This has helped us to shape the planning application which we have submitted, including changes to the roof section of the building.”

Responses received during the exhibition showed that more than 70 were in favour of the scheme.

Richard Holmes, a director of 4Urban, said: “We are pleased to have gained such a strong approval rating.

“The scheme will be served by more than 2,000 readily accessible existing car parking spaces including multi-storey car parks, as well as on street, while all of the restaurants and bars will be high quality, new to Harrogate and complementary to the art-house cinema.”

If planning permission is granted the development, which will bring up to 250 new jobs to Harrogate, will be open for business by early 2016.